Lake Bluff board approves MOU to coordinate land management for Skokie River ecological complex

The Village of Lake Bluff on July 14 approved a resolution authorizing a memorandum of understanding among the Lake County Forest Preserve District, Lake Forest Open Lands Association, Lake Bluff Open Lands Association and the village to coordinate land management in the Skokie River ecological complex. The resolution, moved and seconded and approved by roll call, formalizes collaboration across multiple property owners—including a roughly 30‑acre parcel owned by the village in the West Terrace subdivision and an adjacent 86‑acre Oriole Grove preserve in Lake County—so partners can share resources, coordinate invasive‑species control, and apply jointly for conservation grants. The transcript notes that the area was registered with the Illinois Nature Preserve Commission as an Illinois Land and Water Reserve in 2010 following conservation work by Lake Bluff Open Lands (referred to in the record as Labola/Lobola). Board members praised the conservation work; President Charlo said the formal MOU will “safe keep and further the effort” done by the local open‑land volunteers. Public commenter Sue Raymore of 352 Briar Lane, Lake Bluff, who said she has worked with Lake Bluff Open Lands for about five years, told the board, “the animals don't know who owns which piece of property,” and urged formal collaboration and joint grant pursuit. The board took the measure after brief comments and a roll call vote. Trustee Hatch, Trustee Ryder, Trustee Fried and President Charlo voted aye on the resolution authorizing the MOU. The resolution contemplates an endowment held by the preservation foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves to support conservation and land management goals. Staff said the MOU is intended to achieve economies of scale in managing hydrology, stormwater impacts, invasive species and canopy restoration across contiguous preserves and to improve grant competitiveness.